property overview

Cape Cod is one of the U.S.'s most magical getaways, encompassing 17th-century towns and the stunning National Seashore. First settled in 1665, Chatham occupies has an enviable location between the Upper and Lower Cape, with some of the region's best shoreline. The town's most venerable resort, the Chatham Bars Inn, open year-round, was originally built in 1914 and makes the most of this brilliant setting; the property overlooks a private quarter-mile beach. Everything, from the elegant interiors and 25-acre gardens to the gracious staff and acclaimed restaurant and spa, is topnotch. But the main reason this resort has been a favorite of generations is the relaxed ambience that facilitates a blissful return to summer's simple pleasures: beach walks, clam bakes, sailing and quality time with family and friends.
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We Recommend

Museum Must-See

Atwood House Museum

Built in 1752 and furnished as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, the classic New England gambrel-roofed Atwood house serves as Chatham’s local history museum. 347 Stage Harbor Rd. (508) 945-2493; www.chathamhistoricalsociety.org.

Best View

Chatham Lighthouse Overlook

The overlook of this unique and historic reminder of Chatham’s maritime history offers one of the best views in New England, stretching up the coast and out into the Atlantic. Main St., Chatham. (508) 430-0628; www.mychatham.com.

Best Cultural Secret

Chatham Marconi Maritime Center

Housed in the century-old Chatham Radio WCC Operations Building, this museum chronicles the origins and local history of wireless communication developed by Guglielmo Marconi. 847 Orleans Rd. (508) 945-8889; www.chathammarconi.org.

Top Architecture Find

Chatham’s Old Grist Mill

Built in 1797, this architectural marvel used wind power to grind corn. Old Mill Dr., near Mill Pond.

Best Shopping Neighborhood

Main Street, Chatham

Shoppers of all ages and tastes will enjoy browsing the mile-long stretch of small shops and stores that form the retail heart of Chatham.

Best City Secret

Monomoy Wildlife Refuge

Grey and Harbor seals abound and a variety of marine birds make their home in this scenic 2,500-acre preserve just a few minutes south of Chatham. (508) 945-0594; www.fws.gov/northeast/monomoy.

Best Restaurant for a Celebration

The Chatham Squire

The Chatham Squire is everyone’s favorite place to go for an entertaining evening full of local color and a menu of signature New England dishes. 487 Main St. (508) 945-0945; www.thesquire.com.

Best Newcomer

The Orpheum Theatre

Chatham’s classic picture palace, which served residents from 1915 to 1985, will reopen by summer 2013 as a state-of-the-art, two-screen movie theater showing a wide variety of films. 637 Main St. www.chathamorpheum.org.